Politics Jul 07 U.S. appeals court will review its prior order in a Texas county’s library book ban case Llano County officials have argued that they have broad authority to decide which books belong on library shelves, while library patrons who sued the county said removing the books — which deal with subjects including sex, gender identity and racism… By Kevin McGill, Associated Press
Arts Apr 11 Library book ban attempts are at an all-time high. These librarians are fighting back More than 4,000 library book bans were attempted in public and school libraries in 2023, according to the American Library Association. Six librarians share how they've responded in their communities. By Casey Kuhn
Politics Jan 02 Laws banning semi-automatic weapons and library censorship to take effect in Illinois Illinois will usher in 320 new laws on New Year's Day. By John O'Connor, Associated Press
Education Dec 30 Watch 5:58 What to know about Iowa’s ban on school books, LGBTQ+ topics halted by a judge A federal judge in Iowa has temporarily blocked key parts of a state law that would ban books from school libraries if they depicted a “sex act.” The law also bars teachers from discussing gender identity and sexuality before seventh… By Lisa Desjardins, Kaisha Young, Andrew Corkery
Dec 29 Judge blocks most of an Iowa law banning some school library books and discussion of LGBTQ+ issues By Associated Press The judge said the ban on books is "incredibly broad" and has resulted in the removal of history volumes, classics, award-winning novels and "even books designed to help students avoid being victimized by sexual assault."… Continue reading
Nov 29 LGBTQ+ rights group sues over Iowa law banning school library books, gender identity discussion By Margery A. Beck, Associated Press The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa filed the federal lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of seven Iowa students and their families. LGBTQ+ advocacy group Iowa Safe Schools is also a plaintiff. Continue reading
Oct 25 Why ‘The Art of War’ and Amy Schumer’s memoir are banned in U.S. prisons By Hillel Italie, Associated Press Tens of thousands of books are being banned or restricted by U.S. prisons, according to a new report from PEN America. Continue reading
Jun 30 Watch 6:56 GOP presidential candidates appear at far-right Moms for Liberty event By Laura Barrón-López, Matt Loffman In the past few years, many Republican-led states have enacted new laws rolling back the teaching of race and LGBTQ+ rights in classrooms and banning books on those subjects. And in many cases, the push for these new restrictions is… Continue watching
Jun 25 Hundreds of authors, including Salman Rushdie, Cheryl Strayed endorse anti-censorship initiative By Associated Press Salman Rushdie, Cheryl Strayed, Carl Hiassen and Ibram X. Kendi are among hundreds of authors who have endorsed the announcement by the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers. Continue reading